Pre-test analysis of an LBE solidification experiment in TALL-3D

• Published in: Nuclear engineering and design Vol. 339; pp. 21 - 38
• Main Authors: Jeltsov, M., Kööp, K., Grishchenko, D., Kudinov, P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.12.2018; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Bismuth; CFD; Computational fluid dynamics; Computer applications; Coolant solidification; Coolant temperature; Coolants; Cooling; Design of experiments; Eutectics; Experiment design; Experimental design; Experimental facilities; Fast reactors; Flow paths; Heat transfer; Lead-bismuth eutectics; Liquid metal cooled reactors; Liquid-metal-cooled fast reactors; LMFR; Local flow; Mathematical models; Natural circulation; Nuclear engineering; Nuclear safety; Solidification; STH; Testing; Thermal hydraulics; CFD; Experiment design; Coolant solidification; STH; LMFR
• ISSN: 0029-5493; 1872-759X; 1872-759X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nucengdes.2018.08.014

•Validation data is needed for coolant freezing phenomena in metal cooled reactors.•Requirements on a solidification validation experiment are developed.•System thermal-hydraulics is used to select position and volume of the test section.•Computational fluid dynamics is used to design the solidification pool geometry.•The effect of solidification models and model parameters has been demonstrated. Coolant solidification is a phenomenon of potential safety importance for Liquid Metal Cooled Fast Reactors (LMFRs). Coolant solidification can affect local flow, heat transfer and lead to partial or complete blockage of the coolant flow paths jeopardizing decay heat removal function. It is also possible that reduced flow circulation may increase coolant temperature, counteract solidification and prevent complete blockage of the flow. Complex interactions between local physical phenomena of solidification and system scale natural circulation make modelling of solidification uncertain. Development and validation of adequate models requires validation grade experimental data. In this work we discuss results of analysis carried out in support of experiment development, specifically, design of a solidification test section and a test matrix for TALL-3D experimental facility (lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) thermal-hydraulic loop). The aim of the analysis is experimental design that satisfies requirements stemming from the process of model qualification. We focus on two aspects: (i) design of solidification test section (STS) for investigation of solidification phenomena in lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE), and (ii) effect of the STS pool on the system scale behavior of the TALL-3D facility. Selection of the STS characteristics and experimental test matrix is supported using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) and system thermal-hydraulic (STH) codes.